[Manchester—Monday, 2 September 1872]
Monday. Laura Johnson dropped down suddenly Friday night just as the great storm ceased—so I was obliged to leave her alone on Saturday when I went to town. I drove about town incessantly on Saturday—was hardly out of the carriage more than 15 minutes together during the 5 hours between 9 & two—but a good rest after I returned made me all right again.
Sunday was a divine day. I lay on the knolly and listened to the blowing wind. J. & L. went to walk. In the evening we took tea with Mrs Towne who kindly asked us all with Mrs Wistar. Mrs Wistar was brilliant as ever and told wonderful stories in a dramatic fashion unsurpassed by any woman of our time. Hurlburt, Mrs Kemble, Mrs Wistar, her daughter, Pierce Butler, Dr Mason & his wife all passed before us by her clear pictures. She had been at Nahant to visit two gentlemen, old friends of hers and her dead brother Willy, Mr. Wild and Mr. Page. It was a kind of royal progress for her they felt so much honored by her kindness. They adorned the cottage with the finest flowers and pictures & stuffs for her entertainment.
